braces cortlandt manor ny

If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you might think that you can skip going to the dentist. However, orthodontists and dentists provide different services.

Your orthodontist is specially trained to diagnose and treat bite and alignment issues. On the other hand, your dentist manages your overall dental health by cleaning your teeth, filling cavities, and more.

Your dentist and orthodontist work as a team, and you need to see both. Learn about the importance of seeing a dentist during orthodontic treatment. Also, find out how often you need to go.

Importance of Seeing a Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment

Your orthodontist likely gave you some tips for cleaning your teeth when wearing braces. The tips definitely help, but you could still have food and bacteria hiding in your mouth. After all, braces give food plenty of places to hide, so it makes sense that you might miss something from time to time.

By seeing a dentist during orthodontic treatment, you’ll get professional cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This does two things. First, it reduces your risk of getting cavities. Second, and more importantly, it lowers the risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease causes a wealth of problems, including tooth loss. With regular dental cleanings, you’ll stay on top of a plaque that can lead to the condition.

You know that you want to avoid gum disease and cavities because they affect your oral health. Plus, they hurt your bank account due to expensive treatment. However, you might not realize that these dental problems can also impact your orthodontic treatment.

Let’s look at why cavities and gum disease are major concerns during orthodontic treatment.

Dentists Have Harder Time Filling Cavities With Braces

First, if you develop a cavity, the dentist will have to fill it. Normally, filling cavities is a quick and easy process at the dentist’s office, but it’s complicated if you wear braces. In fact, your Westchester, NY, orthodontist might have to remove some brackets so the dentist can fill the cavity.

That means instead of getting in and out of the dentist’s office quickly, you’ll have to make two appointments to get a filling. Then, you’ll end up back at the orthodontist to get your brackets reattached. You can avoid this by seeing a dentist during orthodontic treatment. Then, instead of going through the trouble of filling cavities, your dentist will help you prevent decay.

Gum Disease Can Derail Orthodontic Treatment

Second, gum disease makes it much harder to complete orthodontic treatment successfully. Braces, Invisalign, and other treatments are used to move teeth into the desired position. When this happens, your body forms new bone and ligament tissue. Without the newly formed tissue, your teeth won’t remain in their new position. Unfortunately, gum disease impacts new tissue growth, meaning your teeth will shift if you have untreated gum disease.

You might think this won’t happen to you because you take such good care of your teeth. However, your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease goes up when wearing braces. That’s because it’s harder to reach all the nooks and crannies.

Fortunately, seeing a dentist during orthodontic treatment can help you prevent this from happening. Then, your orthodontic treatment will be a success.

Seeing a Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment for Stains

No matter how thoroughly you brush your teeth, you’re likely to leave some debris behind. That will eventually turn into plaque, creating white, brown, or yellow spots. Then, when your orthodontist takes your braces off, your teeth might not match. You won’t have nearly as much fun showing off your new smile if your teeth are multi-colored.

Fortunately, going to the dentist is an easy way to avoid this problem. Your dentist will thoroughly remove the plaque before it discolors your teeth and causes decay. Then, you’ll be ready to flash your straight and pearly whites after completing treatment.

Do You Need to See the Dentist With Invisalign?

If you have Invisalign, you might think that’s a free pass to avoid going to the dentist. After all, you can remove the clear aligners when cleaning your teeth. Thus, you don’t have to worry about plaque building up around the brackets.

Still, you need to keep up with your regular dental appointments. Bacteria can thrive in the warm, wet environment that’s underneath the aligners. Without proper care, you can end up with gingivitis, cavities, tooth discoloration, and other problems. Plus, you can get bad breath, which you want to avoid at all costs.

You can avoid these problems in two ways. First, you need to keep up with your personal oral hygiene routine. Second, you need to visit the dentist regularly. Your dentist will remove the bacteria that you missed, ensuring that your teeth are in tip-top condition. Thus, seeing a dentist during orthodontic treatment is a must.

How Often Should You Be Seeing a Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?

Most people need to go to the dentist every six months. This allows the dentist to address plaque buildup and other problems before they become serious issues. However, you might need to go more often if you have periodontal disease or other problems.

The American Dental Association recommends that patients consult with their providers to determine the schedule. Let your dentist know that you’re getting orthodontic care and ask how often you should come in for cleanings. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth and review your history. Then, you’ll find out how often you should be seeing a dentist during orthodontic treatment.

Learn More About Orthodontics and Dental Treatment

Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics will partner with your dentist during treatment. By working together, you can get a straight smile while maintaining healthy teeth. First, call Glaser Orthodontics at (914) 353-4823 to schedule a consultation at our Cortlandt Manor, NY, office. Then, we can discuss your orthodontic treatment and how your dentist will play a vital role in its success.

Braces have become more comfortable and more effective than ever! Getting fitted for braces during your initial experience can take some getting used to. There may potentially be some mild discomfort as you adjust to the new feeling of hardware inside your mouth. To relieve discomfort for first time orthodontic patients, Glaser Orthodontics has come up with 10 tips for braces pain relief you can make use of at home to alleviate some discomfort derived from your own braces.

1: Dental hygiene is a huge factor in preventing further discomfort caused by braces. By practicing great oral hygiene, you are able to care for your mouth and prevent any discomfort associated with other oral issues that may arise. It is very important that you brush and floss your teeth well during your time with braces. Pay close attention to detail and get in between teeth for a fresh mouth.

2: Rinsing your mouth with warm, salty water. This may help alleviate some of the pain that comes along with having new braces. Warmer water is great for soothing gums and teeth. When aligning teeth braces guide them into place which may cause some discomfort.

3: Orthodontic wax can create a comfortable barrier between parts of your mouth, and metal orthodontic hardware. By using orthodontic wax you are able to ease and prevent irritation within the mouth that can be caused by braces.

4: Remaining thoughtful of what you eat is important. You will want to be sure that you follow along with the guidelines for what food and drink is and isn’t a good idea with braces. Avoid foods that may irritate treatment with braces. Focus on eating soft foods like fruits and veggies. This will also alleviate some inflammation or irritation if you have any in regard to your gums.

5: Advil aspirin can treat inflammation and dull pain caused by irritation and adjusting teeth.

6: Apply Orajel or another toothache soothing gel to any sore areas in the mouth. Aid in the common toothache using this method. Apply this method to discomfort caused by braces and other hardware.

7: Gently massaging your gums with fingertips in a roundabout motion is a great exercise to practice. Remain careful to avoid rubbing your inner mouth with the sides of your brackets and wires or other hardware whilst doing so.

8: Just the same way that heat can have positive pain-relieving effect, so can ice! Using an ice pack to particularly sore regions of the mouth can provide a much-needed reduction of swelling in the mouth. Resultantly, the ice can provide a great numbing effect for the whole mouth.

9: Drinking ice water is also effective. Sort of like using an ice pack, in a more refreshing form for summer months especially.

10: Patience is a virtue as some may say. In most cases, pain generally subsides on its own within a short time. Simply getting used to the hardware can be the goal for the first month. Tightening braces may also result in some minor discomfort at first. Make an appointment with Glaser Orthodontics to relieve any troubling pain that isn’t resolved with the 10 tips for braces pain relief listed above. If you have any questions or concerns, there will never be a better time to make an appointment than right now!

914-739-6400

Where Can I Find Braces In Cortlandt Manor NY?

Our team at Glaser Orthodontics specializes in orthodontic care including braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen in Cortlandt Manor NY. We are dedicated to providing high-quality orthodontic treatment at an affordable cost that accommodates any budget. We understand the importance of brushing and flossing regularly with braces to ensure teeth and gums remain healthy.

What Foods Can I Eat With Braces?

Braces may require some patients to alter their diet in order to avoid damaging braces such as broken brackets or wires. An orthodontist in Cortlandt Manor NY recommends that you eat softer foods such as rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, and fruit. Even desserts such as ice cream or yogurt are recommended, as the cold can provide relief for irritation.

What Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?

Crunchy sticky, or chewy foods can damage braces, leading to additional appointments with a Cortlandt Manor orthodontist and lengthen treatment time. When you follow Dr. Glaser’s instructions about what foods to eat with braces, you will achieve optimal results. If you have braces, you should avoid the following foods:

• Caramel, gum, or hard candy
• Apples, popcorn, or pretzels
• Bagels, rolls, or pizza crust

How To Avoid Damaging Braces

Keeping your teeth clean is an important part of orthodontic treatment, and it may take some time to adjust to brushing with braces. However, it can take years to straighten teeth with braces, and any damage to wires or brackets will increase the length of your treatment. To prevent damaging braces, select a variety foods you are able to eat comfortably and safely. If you are looking to achieve straighter teeth, but do not want to alter your diet or appearance, Invisalign is an ideal option. Both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provide the same results as traditional braces while remaining removable and nearly invisible.

Finding Out The Best Foods To Eat With Braces In Cortlandt Manor NY

In conclusion, our team at Glaser Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic treatment. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding braces and what foods to eat with braces in Cortlandt Manor NY, Croton On Hudson NY, Buchanan NY, Peekskill NY, Yorktown Heights NY, and the surrounding areas of Westchester County NY. Contact Glaser Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today. Call now 914.739.6400.

You Are Your Best Investment

It’s true. No matter what you’ve believed in the past, a confident, radiant smile can be within reach. And if you think about it, improving your smile is an important investment, because you’re doing it for yourself.  Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics will make sure you can have one of the best smiles in Westchester County.

How Much Does Invisalign Costs?

There are many factors that determine your Invisalign costs and treatment: how extensive the issues you want correcting are, how long your treatment plan will last, and the specific treatment details prescribed by Dr. Glaser in his Cortlandt Manor office.

We strive to make Invisalign affordable to everyone. You can get a beautiful, healthy and straight smile for as low as your monthly cell phone bill.

Insurance

If your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment, you may also qualify for Invisalign. Talk to your insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage for your treatment.

Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces and clear braces. He provides these orthodontic services to residents of Cortlandt Manor NY, Westchester County NY, and Putnam County NY. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Barry Glaser, contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914-739-6400.

Where Can I Find The Cost Of Braces For Adults Near Me?

The average cost of braces in Westchester, NY ranges from $2999 – $6999. However, the price differs for each patient and is based upon specific individual needs. The factors that determine your personal cost of Invisalign include:

• Severity of issues being corrected
• The length of treatment
• Insurance coverage

Our team at Glaser Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic care including adult braces and Invisalign in Yorktown NY. As a leading Yorktown orthodontist, Dr. Glaser is experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of dental care. As a result, we offer free consultations to all new patients, which provides an opportunity to evaluate your needs and goals.

What Is The The Cost Of Braces For Adults?

The average cost of braces for adults is different for each patient. The cost of braces for adults is dependent on specific individual factors such as the location of treatment, the complexity of issues to be treated, and the number of visits required with an orthodontist. However, the cost of braces for adults in Yorktown, NY may be cheaper than surrounding areas of Westchester County such as higher income neighborhoods or larger cities.

Is There An Age Limit For Adult Braces?

No, there is no age limit to get adult braces! We have treated patients in their 60’s and even 70’s who prove it is never too late for a healthier smile. As long as your teeth are suitable for treatment, age is never a factor with orthodontic treatment.

What Are The Benefits Of Braces For Adults?

Many patients believe orthodontics is only about improving appearances. However, that is not the case. A mouth that has crooked and crowded teeth is more difficult to keep clean, which increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth have the power to improve your oral health, as well as other problems, such as headaches and earaches that you didn’t even realize were associated with misaligned teeth. If you’re considering braces for adults, the first question to ask yourself is whether they are necessary or the best option of treatment. You may be a candidate for adult braces if you suffer from common orthodontic issues including:

• Misaligned
• Underbite or overbite
• Overcrowding
• Crossbite

How Do Kids’ Braces Differ From Braces For Adults?

Adults receive the same benefits from orthodontic treatment; a beautifully straight and properly functioning smile. However, there are some things that may be slightly different. Adolescents have the benefit of a growing jaw to aid in tooth movement, while an adult jaw has stopped growing. As a result, orthodontic treatment may take longer or require jaw surgery to achieve the desired results.

Does My Insurance Cover The Cost Of Braces For Adults?

If orthodontic treatment is included apart of your insurance coverage, you may receive the benefits of reduced out-of-pocket-expenses. Our goal is to make treatment affordable for all patients. As a result, we accept most major insurance providers. During your initial visit, we will discuss all the available options in order to decide the best choice of braces or Invisalign for you.

Finding The Cost Of Braces For Adults In Yorktown NY

Dr. Glaser and our team at Glaser Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic treatment. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding braces, Invisalign, or adult braces in Yorktown NY, Cortlandt Manor NY, Croton-On-Hudson NY, Jefferson Valley NY, Buchanan NY, Montrose NY, Shrub Oak NY, and surrounding areas of Westchester County NY. Contact Glaser Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today. Call now (914) 739-6400.

Where Can I Find The Cost Of Braces Near Me?

The average cost of braces in Westchester, NY ranges from $2999 – $6999. However, the price differs for each patient and is based upon specific individual needs. The factors that determine your personal cost of braces include:

• Severity of issues being corrected
• The length of treatment
• Insurance coverage

Our team at Glaser Orthodontics specializes in orthodontic treatment including braces and clear braces in Cortlandt Manor NY. Every patient who receives braces begins with a complimentary consultation, where Dr. Glaser will assess your needs and design a custom treatment plan.

How Much Is The Average Cost Of Braces In Cortlandt Manor?

The average cost of braces is different for each patient on a case-by-case basis. The braces cost is usually dependent on specific individual factors such as the location of treatment, the complexity of issues to be treated, and the number of visits required with a Cortlandt Manor orthodontist. However, the cost of braces in Cortlandt Manor may be cheaper than surrounding areas such as higher income neighborhoods or larger cities.

How Can I Make The Cost Of Braces More Affordable?

At Glaser Orthodontics, we understand the cost of braces may become overwhelming to any budget. As a result, we accept multiple payment methods as well as offering flexible financing options. Financing allows patients to break down the total cost of braces and spread them out into smaller payments throughout the duration of treatment.

Does My Insurance Cover The Cost Of Braces?

If orthodontic treatment is included apart of your insurance coverage, you may receive the benefits of reduced out-of-pocket-expenses. Our goal is to make treatment affordable for all patients. As a result, we accept most major insurance providers. During your initial visit, we will discuss all available options in order to decide the best choice for you.

Finding The Average Cost Of Braces In Cortlandt Manor NY

Dr. Glaser and our team at Glaser Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic treatment. We are here to answer any questions you may have involving braces and clear braces in Cortlandt Manor NY, Croton-On-Hudson NY, Jefferson Valley NY, Yorktown Heights NY, and surrounding areas of Westchester NY. Contact Glaser Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today! Call now (914) 739-6400.

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The idea of having to wear braces to correct an orthodontic issue is not a fun prospect for a kid near Yorktown Heights NY. For parents, getting your child to look forward to their treatment may be a tough sell. But braces are often a necessary step in helping a child’s teeth to grow in strong, straight, and functional. They can be, however, visible, uncomfortable, and limiting for the child wearing them. Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics know that the time, effort, and expense put into orthodontic treatment now will bring lifelong benefits to the child in terms of a healthy mouth, straight teeth, and a secure self-image. They have ways that can help your child come to terms with the idea of wearing braces and maybe even make wearing braces more fun.

1. Braces-friendly Cooking

To provide your kids with some motivation for good brushing and flossing habits, give them some positive reinforcement. Baking some favorite (soft) desserts is a great way to spend time together with your child and to illustrate how good food and good times are all still available to them while they are wearing braces.

2. Colored Bands

Some orthodontic treatment plans require the patient to wear rubber bands around their braces. Colored bands are now quite common and come in an array of colors to choose from. Have your child consider a color scheme like the colors of their favorite sports team, their school’s colors, or holiday colors. It’s also fun to have them pick just one of their favorite colors, with the possibility of changing them during adjustment visits.

3. Make Orthodontic Visits Something Special

The folks at Glaser Orthodontics say that it’s great to plan a special activity after a successful visit to the orthodontist. There are lots of fun things to do near Yorktown Heights! Going to the park, seeing a movie, or playing their favorite video game together will get children excited for their orthodontic appointments. It can be anything really, just consider what your child enjoys and try to turn that into something that both of you can enjoy together.

4. Make a Photo Album of Their Progress

A photographic timeline of your child’s orthodontic development will show them that their braces are working and that dedication to their treatment will leave them with great looking straight teeth. Dr. Glaser says that this is also extremely helpful to him, as he can analyze copies of the pictures to see your child’s progress.

5. Make a Game of Brushing

Keeping good oral hygiene is a major part of orthodontic treatment, and can speed up the treatment process. Several products on the market today that are designed to help children understand and enjoy good oral hygiene. There are interactive apps for smartphones and tablets that are free. One called “Magic Timer”  was recently rated “Best New App for Kids.” The app works in conjunction with several Oral-B toothbrushes with themes like princesses, Disney characters like Goofy and Donald, or superheroes that will reward a child with “stickers” for brushing for two minutes and for brushing twice a day.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist near Yorktown Heights that can provide orthodontic treatment with braces for your kids and make it fun, then Dr. Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics can help. Call 914-739-6400 to speak with a Glaser Orthodontics associate and put your child on the path to healthy, beautiful teeth!

Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen in Yorktown Heights, NY, Cortlandt Manor, NY, Cold Spring, NY, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Westchester County, NY or the 10598 area, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Barry Glaser, contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914-739-6400.

Orthodontic treatment with braces can hurt occasionally, but most often, the “hurt” reported by a patient is more of a “discomfort.” The best way to avoid and reduce any possible pain or discomfort is to keep a conscientious care schedule. Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics knows that a patient who is consistently experiencing pain or discomfort associated with their braces near Montrose, NY should be examined for any problems with their orthodontic appliances.

Why do braces hurt?

The mouth is a very sensitive part of the body. Adding new brackets, wires, and other appliances to the teeth may cause an orthodontic patient some occasional pain or discomfort. But most people don’t understand or even care why they are in pain. Pain from orthodontic treatments with braces may be cause by a variety of factors:

1. Irritation inside the mouth: Your mouth will need a few days to adjust once they have been fitted and your teeth and gums are interacting with your appliances for the first time. These new additions to your teeth require your mouth to get comfortable with their presence. However, once the two are comfortable, the irritation will ease over time.

2. Broken bracket: Your braces are constantly working. Because of this, there is always a possibility that something can break. Broken brackets should be expected, and they happen to almost everyone at least once during treatment. This can cause some pain and irritation because the broken bracket may poke at or tear the delicate surfaces in the mouth (especially if you have traditional metal braces). If this occurs, make an appointment with Dr. Barry Glaser and Glaser Orthodontics near Montrose NY, as soon as possible to fix the problem and make sure no further problems or pain occurs.

3. Shifting of teeth: Braces shift your teeth to give you the healthy, picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. It’s important to know that the shifting of the teeth is what causes the most pain when it comes to braces. When your braces are tightened, they are working harder to align your teeth and essentially changing your teeth’s position in your mouth.

How do I keep my braces from hurting me?

To help you avoid minor pain or discomfort during your course of treatment:

• Avoid hard foods. Dr. Barry Glaser says that hard foods should be avoided, especially after an adjustment appointment. The extra effort to chew these foods may cause or exacerbate any discomfort the patient may already feel. When your braces hurt, stick to soft foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc.

• Take over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed medication. When your teeth are hurting,  Dr. Barry Glaser recommends taking an over-the-counter medicine that to lessen any pain. Medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help ease the pain until your teeth and gums get used to their new positioning.

Braces may hurt, at least initially, because of how they work inside the mouth. The result with this orthodontic treatment, however, is a mouth of straight, functional, and healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen near Montrose, NY, Peekskill NY, Cortlandt Manor, NY, Cold Spring, NY, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Westchester, NY, or surrounding areas, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Barry Glaser, contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914-739-6400.

Many people are concerned about the length of orthodontic treatment, and want to learn how to quicken their treatment. It is true that orthodontic treatment is often a long, time consuming process. Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, treating a mild or severe case, orthodontic care takes some time to get it just right. Every patient’s treatment length will vary, and most patients are eager to complete their treatment and begin living life with a beautiful smile. Luckily, Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics says there are some steps you can take to keep your orthodontic treatment running on schedule and get an even faster result. And you’ll be on track to get your braces off near Jefferson Valley NY fast!

1. Maintain Good Oral Health: First, it is extremely important to maintain good oral health. After all, straightening teeth is only one part of the battle – keeping teeth from decaying or developing plaque is extremely important and key to protecting your oral health. Having braces near Jefferson Valley NY makes brushing and flossing a bit more difficult, but very necessary to keeping your treatment on track. Dr. Barry Glaser recommends brushing your teeth after every meal, before bed, and once you wake up. Additionally, it is important to floss as often as you can, using regular floss or super floss, to make sure that all food remnants are gone from on and around the teeth. The team at Glaser Orthodontics suggests packing a braces-hygiene kit and bringing it with you every time you go out. Your kit should have a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. This way, you will never have to worry about your oral health slowing down your orthodontic treatment process.

2. Listen to your Orthodontist: Secondly, be sure to always listen to your orthodontist. There are many adjustments patients must make when they get braces near Jefferson Valley NY, and sometimes many of the new rules may seem hard to follow. However, Dr. Barry Glaser wants to remind you how important it is that you listen to rules. One of the most important rules is avoiding hard and sticky foods, as these can hinder your treatment. If a food is especially hard or sticky, it can possibly break a bracket, wire, etc., and potentially extend  orthodontic treatment time. Additionally, many patients tend to need orthodontic appliances that assist with their braces treatment. These appliances are things like rubber bands, which help to move the teeth to the right position. Use these appliances exactly as they are directed, or treatment time will be longer.

3. See your Orthodontist with Any Problems: Third, understand that accidents do happen, but it is extremely important to seek care for them immediately, as any problem that goes untreated will most likely produce a delay in treatment. Braces are made of delicate brackets and archwires, and they can pop free or snap from eating hard and sticky foods. If for some reason your braces do break, don’t panic. First, Dr. Barry Glaser recommends placing wax on any area that is causing you discomfort, and then contacting Glaser Orthodontics as soon as possible! You should come in so the damages can be repaired, keeping your braces functioning properly and avoiding any delays. Dr. Barry Glaser also recommends that any patients that play sports wear mouthguards to avoid accidents. Whenever you are playing, wear a mouthguard so that your braces are not exposed to any pressure or hits. This will keep all the parts in the right places and keep you on track to get your braces off as soon as possible!

4. Follow your Schedule: Lastly, follow a strict schedule with your orthodontist. Throughout your treatment, you will need to come into the office for checkups, adjustments, and more. The Glaser Orthodontics team will work with you to make appointments on dates and times that are best for you, so it is important that you do attend each and every one of them. We understand that our patients with braces near Jefferson Valley NY have busy schedules, and are sometimes unable to make it. If this is the case, be sure to let us know as soon as you can, and create a new appointment right away, as staying consistent and on time with your appointments is just another important step in making sure that your treatment runs smoothly and efficiently.

By following these simple steps, patients can do their part to speed up their treatment time wearing braces and get that beautiful smile you’ve been anxiously awaiting!

Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen near Jefferon Valley, NY, Peekskill NY, Cortlandt Manor, NY, Cold Spring, NY, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Westchester, NY, or surrounding areas, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Barry Glaser, contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914-739-6400.

Dr. Barry Glaser and the Glaser Orthodontics staff take the time to instruct each of their orthodontics patients in the Jefferson Valley, NY area how to floss while they are being treated with braces. Wearing braces on the teeth can make good oral hygiene habits difficult to perform, can create spaces where food debris can collect, and they provide an environment for bacteria to thrive. Good brushing and flossing techniques and habits while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces is often a challenge, but flossing with braces can be accomplished effectively once equipped with a little advice.

Why floss with braces?

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) advises that flossing is just as important as brushing in a conscientiously applied regimen of good oral hygiene. Toothbrushes are great for cleaning plaque from the fronts and back surfaces of the teeth, but they simply cannot reach the sides, in between the teeth, and along the gumline. Food debris in the mouth feeds bacteria. The bacteria in the mouth creates acid that causes bad breath and breaks down tooth enamel. Flossing removes most of this acid-causing food debris to keep teeth healthier and breath fresher. All of this becomes even more prevalent while undergoing treatment with braces because of the brackets and wires that often become a catch-all for food and bacteria.

Get in the game.

A floss pick is an instrument that is effective at keeping braces clean and clear of food debris. A piece of dental floss spans a space at one end, kind of like a harp. The other end is a tapered point that can be used to force food debris from behind the wires, around the brackets, and in between the teeth. Floss picks are available for both children and adults and may be either reusable or single use. A floss threader is a thin piece of plastic with a loop at the end to hold the floss. The plastic piece is threaded above or below the wires to access the spaces between teeth. You can learn more about the different kinds of orthodontic floss and find out which is the best for you here.

Up your game.

There is actually a technique for flossing that is proven to help effectively remove plaque from teeth. Carefully manipulating the dental floss between the teeth and into a “C” shape is a good method to clean the back surfaces of the teeth, including down by the gumline. Make an up-and-down motion against the tooth, keeping the floss tight against the surface. Floss each tooth individually and move in sequence. Keep going until each tooth has been flossed. A Waterpik water flosser is an oft recommended method of flossing. It may be more effective than dental floss and works with a pulsating stream of water to flush out food or particles stuck between teeth and gums and to remove the plaque that can build up on braces.

Stay on the scoreboard.

A conscientious oral hygiene regimen including a fluoride toothpaste, anti-plaque mouthwash, and thorough flossing is the program patients near Jefferson Valley, NY can rely on to keep their mouth after braces clean, healthy, and in the best condition possible. Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics coach their patients to a winning treatment outcome every time. They are important teammates in their patients oral health care. For more information about how to floss with braces, or to schedule an appointment, contact Glaser Orthodontics today at:  914.739.6400